The Irish Universities Association (IUA) is the representative organisation for the seven Irish Universities.
The IUA brings the university sector together to:
• clearly and publicly articulate the importance and value of higher education
• act as an advocate for the university system
• provide effective liaison and dialogue with the State and its agencies
• ensure the system is resourced and prepared for the challenges of the future
• optimise our collective effectiveness and impact
• develop sectoral policies and strategies
• maximise the contribution of higher education in all its dimensions to society and the
economy.
The IUA hosts important shared services in researcher mobility, widening participation, the
development of engaged teaching and research and internationalisation.
Reporting to the IUA Council and Chair, the Director General (DG) will provide ambassadorial
leadership to the IUA, building public support and working with multiple stakeholders to
promote the interests of the Irish universities in Ireland and overseas. The DG is responsible
for the co-ordination and implementation of policy and strategy for the organisation; leading
the IUA team in the development of position papers on diverse issues in higher education and
interfacing with a wide range of public bodies at a national and international level.
The ideal candidate, will be an experienced person with significant knowledge of the higher
education sector and the capacity to build networks and influence at the most senior levels
of the political system, the public service, State agencies, enterprise and civil society. He/she
will have the credibility and gravitas to be an outstanding advocate, representing the Irish
University sector in Ireland and internationally. With a successful track record as an innovative
senior leader in the public and/or private sector, the new DG will be passionate about the
future development of Irish universities in a global context. He/she will possess the drive,
initiative, vision and the collaborative spirit to achieve the objectives of the IUA. In addition, he/
she will demonstrate the leadership and senior management skills to ensure the organisation
continues to provide high quality support services to its membership.
This is a unique role in the Irish higher education environment and an exciting
opportunity to make a significant contribution to social and economic development in
Ireland at a time of public debate on the development of the higher education sector.
Applicants should send a CV and personal statement outlining
their fit for the role to dg.iua@ie.pwc.com on or before
31st May 2017.
For a confidential discussion and to answer any queries,
please contact Ellen Roche at 01 792 6703 or Adrienne
Harten at 01 792 7737.